Hyundai A-League MatchDay 20 Preview

This week’s Hyundai A-League fixtures will be pivotal, with all teams bar Adelaide United having the opportunity to make the top six with a win. Western Sydney currently sit in 7th place (21 points) and will be hoping to claim their first derby win against Sydney FC since the 11th of January, 2014. Newcastle (21 points), Wellington (19 points) and Central Coast (19 points) will be hoping the Wanderers are un-successful once again, improving their chances of making the finals.

Adelaide United V Newcastle Jets:

2015/2016 Hyundai A-League champions, Adelaide United will host Newcastle on Friday night after a humiliating 5-0 loss to Perth Glory last week. Adelaide were favourites last week, most expecting them to win comfortable. I mentioned their match against Wellington, in which they had 27 shots and only managed to walk away with the draw (2-2) as reason to avoid them. The Jets were unable to take advantage of a struggling Melbourne Victory last week, settling with a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately for Adelaide United their horrible title defence will worsen at the hands of the Jets on Friday night.

The Phoenix haven’t been able to record a victory in over a month, scoring just one second half goal in their last four games. Melbourne City have won five out of the last six games against Wellington however are winless in their last seven games away from home (D3,L4). The absence of defender Ivan Franjic is significant for Melbourne City, as a result I’m expecting a high scoring encounter.

It has been over 1132 days since the Western Sydney Wanderers last won a Sydney derby. The Wanderers are competing in the AFC champions league this Tuesday and will make some necessary squad rotations to ensure their best squad will play in that fixture. A victory in the league would see them in finals contention however they are coming up against the undefeated Sydney FC. The curse will continue.

Best: Sydney FC WIN ($2.00) – CrownBet

Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar:

The midfield maestro, Diego Castro scored two goals and helped his team annihilate Adelaide United 5-0 last week. This week they will face off against a solid Brisbane Roar outfit who will be without two starting defenders. Brisbane were unable to punish a depleted Melbourne City side last week, instead holding onto a 2-2 draw away from home. Perth Glory are in fine form and with Brisbane’s defensive stocks taking a blow i’d expect them to capitalise.

A rotten month for Melbourne Victory has seen them fall 11 points behind league leaders Sydney FC. They will no doubt be eager to walk away with the win however a newly revamped Central Coast side will stand in their way. The Mariners have won 3 consecutive matches and now sit 2 points outside of finals contention. Central Coast have scored two goals in each of their past three games, enough to see them walk away with the victory. The more experienced and proven team should be too strong come match day.